Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Review: Treat off Foxley
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New 39 Clues Book Hits Stores Today -- Movie in the Works!
The 10th and final book in the popular 39 Clues children's book series, Into the Gauntlet, is out today. I'm taking my daughter to go get her copy after school, and she can't wait to see how the series ends. She read the first nine books over the summer and was absolutely enthralled.
The series follows siblings Amy and Dan Cahill, who embark on a dangerous around the world clue hunt that, for them, began with a challenge issued by their grandmother in her will. The stakes are high and the other family members who are after the same powerful information are ruthless, but Amy and Dan are determined to see the hunt through to the end and find out how to obtain a powerful family secret. The books also have an interactive element in that kids can go online and play games, get information, and find additional clues.
Not only can kids read the books and have an interactive online experience, but next year, they may also get to see the excitement and intrigue play out on the big screen. A recent press release about the sweepstakes surrounding the books confirms, "Movie rights for The 39 Clues have been acquired by DreamWorks Studios with Steven Spielberg eyeing to direct and Deborah Forte of Scholastic Media producing. The script is being penned by Jeff Nathanson." I am keeping my eye out for the official release date, but as of now it looks like the movie will hit theaters sometime in 2011.
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The superb haunted blog off manor plunges deeply in origins off attractions

Okay, so you consider yourself a fan of the Haunted Mansion, perhaps even a super fan. I guarantee you, there is stuff on the “Long Forgotten” blog that you don’t know. Take for instance, this piece about how the Haunted Mansion can draw some direct inspiration from French Cabarets of the 1800s.
Read the whole blog. It really is a master course on the Haunted Mansion.
Discuss this post, and anything else related to Disney, at the TownSquare Forums. Super Haunted Mansion blog dives deep into attractions origins The Disney Blog - Disney News and Information -- by fans, for fans
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VeggieTales Has a Sweet Message for Kids

In contrast to the many kids' shows today that focus on stardom, looks, and sarcastic wit, a recent DVD from VeggieTales takes a few epitomic princess stories and turns them inward, to focus on the heart. VeggieTales: Sweetpea Beauty - A Girl After God's Own Heart uses colorful animation and the beloved Veggies to tell a story that entertains kids as it teaches that true beauty comes from the heart, and that we are all uniquely beautiful as we are, because that's how God made us.
For those who are fans of VeggieTales, this sweet new addition to the VeggieTales DVD collection will not disappoint. And for those who aren't yet familiar with the series, VeggieTales DVDs use animated stories to help kids learn how biblical lessons relate to their own lives. For those families who teach the Bible, or for those who want positive messages for kids and don't mind a few religious references, VeggieTales is a great line of Children's DVDs to check out.
(Photo © Big Idea)
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Camp Rock 2 Premieres on Friday
Kids can kick off Labor Day weekend with a bang with the premiere of Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam next Friday, September 3 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT. Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers are back at camp this year, but a shocking surprise awaits them. A flashy new musical camp, Camp Star, has opened across the lake, and it looks like Camp Rock might be on the way out. Determined to save the camp they love, Camp Rockers get to work, and Mitchie ends up challenging Camp Star to an end of summer Final Jam. The winner of this televised competition will be determined by the audience. Mitchie and Shane continue the romance that began in the original Camp Rock movie, and a Romeo and Juliet twist adds tension to the flick when Nate falls for Dana, the daughter of th! e owner of Camp Star.
Disney has found a gold mine in these big hit Disney Channel movies, and it's really a win-win formula for parents and kids. The kids love the romance, the music, and the inspiring way the characters go after their dreams. Parents love that the movies are clean, the characters are decent role models, and there is always an uplifting message. Disney Channel Original Movies like High School Musical and Camp Rock seem to be directed at tweens, or kids about 9-13, but they are highly popular in the 6-11 year-old bracket, so a lot of younger kids watch them as well. If you tune in to Camp Rock 2 with your kids this Friday, check back and let us all know what you think. (Photo © Disney Enterprises. All rights reserved.)
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Review: Important things

Title: The Important ThingsAuthor: Peter CarnavasIllustrator: Peter CarnavasPublisher: New Frontier, $24.95 RRPFormat: HardcoverISBN: 9781921042287For ages: 4-8Type: Picture BookAbout: It's no secret I'm a Peter Carnavas fan and his latest book doesn't disappoint - this time about a Dad - who has gone away.
In tune with the author/illustrator's emotive and simple storylines that philosophise on the poignant moments on life - without schmaltz or over-sentimentality - The Important Things tugs quite agonisingly at the heartstrings whilst simultanously bringing a warm, feel-good squeeze to the chestal area.
Christopher's mother does everything. She has to because the young lad's father has died. ! In an attempt to overcome her grief, mum gathers up all the 'unimportant' stuff that belonged to Dad and takes it to a second hand store where these material possessions can make someone else happy.
But, mysteriously, these items begin to appear back in the house. The mum is baffled. She even checks at the second hand store, but the owner says nothing. Christopher says nothing. It is isn't until late one night that she accidentally learns how these items are reappearing in the house - borne by the love of a young son who can't bear to let his dad go.
They may only be small, inconsequential things, but a cracked coffee mug, a tattered hat, some old sheet music - these are the things that keep loved ones alive on our hearts - touching them, smelling them, feeling them, using them.
Carnvas has created a subtle, incredibly moving book that is priceless for those who have lost a loved one - and for those who haven't. Compassionate, open, real and honest, this ! book is yet another timeless book to add to your child's colle! ction.
Gorgeous illustrations belie their deliberate simplicity with powerful punches of emotion. Utterly beautiful. What more can I say? except have the tissues on hand.
Author website
This book is available online
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Saturday, August 28, 2010
Review: Further
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Review: My dad thinks that it is funny
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Friday, August 27, 2010
The Back-to-School Routine
In general, back-to-school means less TV for our family. It' s easy to keep kids from becoming couch potatoes when there is so much to do after school and so little time to do it! This being our first week back, we haven't turned the TV on once. But, since I have elementary school kids, they still think school is just one big play date anyway, so they don't mind coming home, having a small snack, and getting to their reading and other homework. I know that as kids get older they sometimes tend to come home and plop down on the couch. I can understand that -- kids have to think a lot harder all day when they get into upper elementary and middle school.
I am a big believer in routines. I read in a book once (sorry, can't remember which one) that routines are great for kids, but they should be flexible, so kids don't get so stuck on them that they can't handle change or a last minute wrench in the plans. I thought that sounded very logical. Routines help kids form the habits they need to take care of themselves and accomplish great things. But, being able to adapt and go with the flow is also an important skill.
Having an after school routine works for a lot of kids, and it can help them develop self-discipline, good work habits, and healthy TV habits. TV, along with related media, is one of life's addicting pleasures, and it's easy to get caught up watching TV or playing video games and find that hours of life have been sucked away. Helping kids find the balance between enjoying some down time and throwing hours of life out the window really helps them learn an important life lesson about self mastery and time management.
I like to give my kids a chance to create their own after school routine. When the responsibility is on their shoulders, they tend to come up with something that really is effective. Our kids decided that they wanted to have a snack and rest time, and then get right to their homework so they can get it done not have to worry about it. Sounds good to me! So, now that they have made the schedule, it's easy for me to help them stick to it -- on most days.
Do you have any after school challenges with TV time or video games? What has worked in your family?
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Fantastic fiction off adventure
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Signature off book off mirror and exposure off art
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
2 unexplored: Under of thieves for the magazines PS3
2009, while having a lot of great games, wasnât as big as 2007, with releases like Super Mario Galaxy and Bioshock to name a few that defined 2007. However, we did get a lot of A-list titles like Infamous, Prototype, Punch Out!!, Ratchet and Clank Future: a Crack in Time, Muramasa: the Demon Blade, New Super Mario Brothers Wii, Left 4 Dead 2, Brutal Legend, Assassinâs Creed 2, and of course, Batman Arkham Asylum. While those are all great games in their respective genre, one game kind of took over the spotlight for the title for Game of the Year. What is this game that took the world and critics by storm as the best game of 2009? Well, this title is just simply known as Sonic and the Black Knight. No, Iâm kidding. That game sucked. The actual name of the game is called Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. I have never see! n such critical acclaim for a third person shooter. I mean, I enjoyed the first Uncharted even with its small faults that held it back, but check these awards out that this game has won. Best PS3 game of E3 2009 by 1UP.com, Best Third Person Shooter, Best Graphics, Best Story, and Best Single Player Campaign by Gametrailers.com, and multiple Game of the Year awards from other sites and magazines. Gosh dang, this game better be as amazing as everyone says it is. Letâs dive right into what people consider one of the single best PS3 games of all time. The story takes place with Nathan Drake waking up in a train car, hanging off the side of a mountain in Nepal. It then turns to flashbacks to show what happened to Nathan Drake to get to where he is now. It turns out that he has teamed up with two old companions to find the lost treasure of Marco Polo. However, during this adventure Nathan encounters betrayal, and has to get the treasure while trying not to get killed by a psyc! hopath named Zoran Lazarevic. It then turns into a race to the! treasur e, kind of like how the Indiana Jones films are set up, except I think I prefer this story to the Indiana Jones films though. While not an original idea, since like I said, itâs like Romancing the Stone or the Indiana Jones franchise, but it works and it is executed really well. Now, I am going to go in-depth with the story of a minute so I donât care if I spoil it for people who havenât played this game. The thing with the first game was that it was a good story, but in the end, the twist was, I think, not that good. Donât get me wrong. Nathan realizing that people who touch the El Dorado statue turn into zombie vampire things is an interesting twist, but I didnât like it. The same kind of twist happens here in Among Thieves. Nathan is actually trying to find this giant gemstone that Marco Polo found, but then he realizes that the gemstone isnât really a stone. It turns out that the gemstone is actually blue amber from the tree of life. What happens this time is! people who eat the amber turn into these buff blue warriors who guard the tree of life. Now, what I like about this is that itâs a little more reasonable twist than the twist in Uncharted, where it turned the crew of Nathanâs ancestor into creatures. I was expecting something more like the Aztec Indians that were still alive in the final area of the game. It just made me feel like I was playing Resident Evil 4 or 5. In Uncharted 2 however, I think its handled more, since the blue warriors are still strong, but donât overwhelm you in numbers like in the last game. The story is also longer which means the game is longer, which is always a bonus. Give me a long story over multiplayer any day.The gameplay featured in Uncharted is more of the same stuff that you would do in the first game. You go around solving environmental puzzles, collecting treasure, platforming, and shooting enemies. The shooting is, of course, done in Gears of War-style third person shooting. Itâs! basic, but it works well, unlike Dark Void. Another interesti! ng gimmi ck that the game has added is stealth, but itâs not all perfect, and I will explain later. The fist-to-fist combat has also been fixed better, and it works really well. The multiplayer is nothing that I have ever seen in a game. I have played some Modern Warfare online, but I think Uncharted 2 blows Modern Warfareâs multiplayer out of the water. You get a lot of variety in online modes like a 3 person co-op campaign mode, variations of capture the flag, Horde, and other multiplayer modes that you can find on other shooters. Recently, like a few months back, they have come out with more maps and a new siege mode, but I havenât been able to play that, so I canât talk much about it. The graphics in the game are just amazing. Itâs definitely right up there with games like God of War 3 and Heavy Rain, which happens to be two of my favorite games of all time. It is amazing to see all the details, like Drakeâs legs getting covered in snow, or when his whole body goes in! the water. They put a lot of hard work in this sequel and it shows. The only thing that would be more amazing is after beating each chapter or for each amazing graphical detail you can spot, you would get 100 dollars. The voice acting is also very well done with, of course, Nolan North, Emily Rose, and Richard McGonagle returning in their respective roles, and new actors like Claudia Black, Steve Valentine, and Graham McTavish doing, in order, Chloe Frazer, Harry Flynn, and Zoran Lazerevic. The humor in the game is good, but sometimes it is downright hilarious. Another great thing about the acting is that the script is written so well that you get enlightened by everyoneâs past relationship with each other without it being shoved in your face like other games. Overall, the presentation is one of the best I have ever seen on a single game. The music is once again amazing, and I just love it. Composer Greg Edmonson who is famous for the soundtrack for Firefly once again do! es an amazing job with this gameâs soundtrack.However, there! are som e chinks in this gameâs strong defense that kind of bothers me. The intelligence in the enemies is really questionable. During the stealth segments, it seems like the enemies are just stupid not to notice youâre right there next to them. Granted, the blue Avatar buff enemies are smarter and will come at you with force, but it doesnât make up for the rest of the enemies in the game. That is basically the only thing I think is wrong with this game, though it makes up for it with enemies who will outnumber you if you stay in one place too long. It makes you push forward and go through the fight. Uncharted 2 was just amazing to play. This has to be one of the best experiences that I have ever had playing a video game. This is definitely an unexpected addition to some of my favorite games of all time. If you own a Playstation 3 and donât have this game, there is something wrong with you. I would buy this game on the spot if I saw a copy of it. Itâs fun, intense, filled ! with action, and is all around wonderful to play. Donât just take my word for it, go check it out yourselfThis game gets a 9.8 out of 10Family Films
Review: My olive off sister
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Interview off author: Steve Stick
Author Steve Cole is joining us today, all the way from the UK! Steve is the author of many adventure books and thrillers, including the Slime Squad and Astrosaurs series. AND he'll be in Australia in September, appearing at the Brisbane Writers Festival on September 2 and 3!See more about Steve's work at stevecolebooks.co.uk and visit the Brisbane Writers Festival site for details of his appearances.Tell us a little about you: whatâs your background, your story? I was born just outside London in 1971. I grew up liking stories, then went to university to read more of them before going to work as an editor of books and magazines for both children and grown-ups. I wrote in my spare time and eventually I got to give up the day job and scribble full time.Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? As an ei! ght year old I used to write episode guides to a made-up TV show called âThe Peter and Anne Adventuresâ. Naturally I starred as Peter, dashing ghost hunter and alien battler⦠The first actual story I wrote that I remember was written aged nine, called âConkhead Islandâ - a surreal epic about a living island shaped like a giant nose. Sort of set the tone, really.
What genre do you now write in? Childrenâs fantasy comedy-adventure and young adult thrillers.What other genres have you written in? Iâve written lots of Doctor Who novels, some aimed at adult audiences.What do you love about writing for children? You can let your imagination go on the rampage, the wilder the better. Itâs very freeing.
Tell us about your path! to havi ng your books published. It was some poems I wrote for my magazines that led to my first books being published, little pop-up poem books. As a book editor for the BBC and then a freelancer I got into scripting lots of TV/movie tie-ins and series fiction that helped me get an agent. From there I started writing my own book series.What are the greatest blocks or obstacles you have experienced on your book-writing journey? Alas, I suffer with Repetitive Strain Injury from too much typing. I write a lot more longhand now.Whatâs a typical writing day? Iâve normally got a deadline looming so itâs pretty full on. I write on and off all day and half the night, breaking for meals, reminding the kids Iâm still alive and so on. Iâm probably a bit of a workaholic.
What advice do you have on writing? Be persistent, but be realistic.! Donât cling to treasured ideas that arenât working. Grow a thick skin and listen to criticism. And enjoy what you do â" if youâre writing for personal fulfilment first, youâre getting something out of it, whether or not publishers and plaudits follow.What books did you read as a child? Endless Doctor Who books and Spider-Man comics⦠and plenty of Roald Dahl. I love the way his books make you see things differently. Like in The Witches, when the boy becomes a mouse but actually isnât very bothered because he can see there are very good things about being a mouse⦠Fantastic Mr Fox is my favourite â" tense, funny and very satisfying when the farmers are fooled and foiled!What else do you like to do, other than write books? I play bass guitar, keyboards and write songs and sing in a pop band in my spare time.
What would be your perfect day? Lying guiltlessly on a beach ! in the s unshine all day then playing a sell-out stadium gig in the evening!What five words best sum you up? Very, very lucky, slightly tired.Whatâs next for Steve Cole? Nailing the last chapter of the latest book, then dreaming up the first chapter of the next.Family Films
Intermediate Interesting rumour off handled Toy Story off
There have been more than a small number of complaints that the Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction Toy Story Midway Mania went down for maintenance right in the middle of summer. Not just that, but with Toy Story 3 still raking in big bucks at the box office, you would expect the attraction to be open for guests to experience a little of that synergy Disney is so famous for. So there must be a very good reason for it to be down right now.
August is technically Value Season, so the lighter crowds is a good time make some changes in the parks. Plus, with Star Tours going down in September, it’s a good plan to make any updates to the TSMM right now.
But wait? Didn’t they just add a new game? Indeed they did. And they did that overnight. This refurbishment is something more serious.
How serious? The Disney Gossip blog reports that a cast member was injured earlier in the year and this refurb is to implement changes, ie gates, so that the same accident doesn’t occur again. They are now adding gates to the exit side of the loading dock. This will make sure that no guests or cast members could fall back into the track after the cars depart. My question is, how did Disney keep this so quiet? I don’t see anything about this injury on any boards.
The attraction is scheduled to return to operation August 28th, but check online to be sure it’s operating.
Updated to add news about gates on exit side.
Stand out in a crowd with NEW MOO MiniCards - 100 unique mini-calling cards with new some great new features! Discuss this post, and anything else related to Disney, at the TownSquare Forums. Interesting Toy Story Midway Mania Rumor The Disney Blog - Disney News and Information -- by fans, for fans
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